Published 10:46 am, Monday, November 24, 2014

Hale County commissioners moved to fix the stink, as the court unanimously voted Monday to approval a proposal to renovate a vent system at the Hale County jail during their regular session.

In recent months, noxious smells have leaked from deteriorating cast-iron pipes at the jail. In the right wind, the smell can fill the detention center.

During their Friday work session, commissioners explained this was one of the main reasons the county has started a series of renovations at the 32-year-old facility. Along with the ventilation system, issues with the jail’s water grinder pump, plumbing auger and repairs to the water line need to made, however the leaking sewer smell has moved to the top of the list as the jail can deal with the other problems for the time being.

Because the need for immediate action, commissioners considered a proposal Friday from Dickman Plumbing to replace the cast-iron line with PVC pipe. The company, which is known for servicing numerous prison facilities, says it can do the job for an estimated $48,780.

Commissioners discussed the idea Friday, however if costs were for some reason to go over $50,000, the project would go against the County Purchasing Act, which says the county cannot spend more than $50,000 on a job in a year without going through the bid process.

Commissioners agreed that they weren’t trying to circumvent the bidding process, and entertained the bid because time is an issue.

Over the weekend commissioners talked with the plumbing company which assured that the cost would not exceed $50,000. The county added that it would haul off the disassembled cast-iron and concrete to lower the overall cost.

Also on Monday, the commissioner moved to secure two and half lots near the Plainview/Hale County Airport and Columbia Street.

The idea of acquiring the land has been proposed before; however, the land was tied up in an estate until recently. The purchase of the land will benefit the airport’s current renovation plan, and the land will allow for a lengthening of the main runway to serve larger airplanes.

Representing the airport board in person Monday was airport manager Stacie Hardage, and board president Pete Laney sent a letter calling for the acquisition of the property.

As a public project, the Texas Department of Transportation requires the city and the county to contribute a percentage of the cost of renovation. In prior discussions, County Judge Bill Coleman said purchasing the land can count as the entities’ contribution. The property is listed at a price of $18,500. The county said funds have already been set aside in the budget for airport renovation and that money would be used for the purchase. Also, the city will need to cover half of the cost of the property.

The Plainview City Council has not yet discussed the property acquisition in their meetings, but commissioners agreed that they felt the city would not vote against the project because of its importance to the renovation process.

Because the land is still on the market to be bought, commissioners unanimously voted to commit $1,000 and work on entering a contract in order to reserve the land and take it off the market.

Also Monday, commissioners heard a presentation by David Gary to consider funding for a Hale County Veterans’ Service officer. VSOs help veterans navigate through the bureaucracy of benefits and programs designed for them. In the past, the county has provided the VSO an office and use of office equipment including a phone and copy machine.

On Monday, Gary explained that there are about 1,700-2,000 veterans in Hale Count, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but felt there was probably more than that in the county. Gary said he would act as the county’s VSO, and would dedicate himself to veterans as well as active military personal and their families.

To get the operation started, Gary said on the high end, the commissioners could budget $81,300, which would include a $40,000 salary, office, training, travel and more. On the low-end, the operation could get started with $64,650.

Although commissioners seemed favorable to restoring the VSO position, commissioners said the current budget has been set and doesn’t include funding for the post. Getting enough extra revenue during the coming year is questionable. When asked if there were any grants to help with initial funding, Gary said he had talk to various organizations. However, like the county, they don’t currently have funds designated for Hale County. Coleman said the court could table the issue and visit it again during their next work session.

Recognition was also in order Monday, as Hale County was honored by the Texas Association of Counties for being among 50 Texas counties in 1974 to join their Risk Management Pool. The TAC RMP began with the Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Fund, and later expanded to serve Texas counties’ specific needs by offering coverage for property, crime and liability. Mike Strawn, a consultant with TAC RMP, presented the county with a limestone plaque honoring the partnership.

Also Monday, Justin Shedd of Hale Center EMS gave the organization’s monthly report. According to the report, Hale Center went on 66 calls -- 17 in the city, six in the county and 43 emergency medical transfers.

Commissioners unanimously voted to renew service agreements with the volunteer fire departments of Edmonson, Hale Center, Abernathy, Halfway and Petersburg.

Another highlight in the court session was a report by Hale County Sheriff David Mull who announced that five jailers had completed jailer school and received state certifications. The new certified jailers are Jalon Jackson, Shantel Marshall, Benicia Torres, Rosalinda Rodriguez and Joshua Smiley.